transfer case vacum motor

[89jeepgrandwagoneer]

Is there anybody out there that knows where I can get a transfer case vacum motor #530004596 for a 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with the 2 high- 4 high switch. This part is located at the transfer case and controls the the switching function. Tried Crown automotive, tried Dorman, no luck. Any help is appreciated.

[fulsizjeep]

Welcome to the madness. First, what have you done to determine the vacuum shifter is bad? I ask because I had trouble with my 88 GW (NP229) once and it turned out to be grit and grime gumming up the shift linkage. I power washed all around the front output shaft and shifter linkages then applied some WD40 and it was working again.

[Stuka]

Its also worth hooking up a vacuum pump to see if you can get it to move without engine vacuum to limit out any sort of vacuum hose shenanigans.

[89jeepgrandwagoneer]

The switch quit working when I came back from Salt Lake City Utah after completing a job there. I haven't messed with the jeep for about 5 years and want to get it going again. I have been toying with the idea of rebuilding the jeep especially after it had a top end fire in the engine compartment. My plan is to put a 318 engine along with a 518 tranny with overdrive in it. replace all the 30+ parts with new and replace the body mounts as well.

[dodgerammit]

To run the Tcase from the Wag with the OD Chrysler trans, you will need to use a spacer. 5/8" iirc. Check Rainman's thread on ifsja. He did that.

I am patiently waiting for an AMC-518 adapter. Or, I may do what another guy did and have the AMC 727 bellhousing welded onto a Chryco 518.

[89jeepgrandwagoneer]

dodgerammit, where would I go for this spacer?

[fulsizjeep]

I forgot to mention, this vacuum actuator has been pretty much unobtanium for a few years now. The single speed NP128 and 129 were used in AMC Eagles so we are not the only ones looking for them. If it is really bad, put up a wanted add here for a used one. One that has been verified good with a hand vacuum pump at the very least.

[dodgerammit]

Probably have to do a google search. I think one guy made one, but I want to think they are available. You could also swap to a NP241, but lose the viscous coupling/full time 4x4 and vacuum switch function.

[dodgerammit]

I'd be willing to bet bad vacuum lines.

[fulsizjeep]

Probably have to do a google search. I think one guy made one, but I want to think they are available. You could also swap to a NP241, but lose the viscous coupling/full time 4x4 and vacuum switch function.

How are you being helpful here? I want to think a lot of things. I think you should believe me that there is a snowball's chance in hell that a new one can be found. I think "Quit guessing and use a hand vacuum pump to test it and the lines."

This guy has some used ones:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Grand-Wag ... 4647058474

[dodgerammit]

Probably have to do a google search. I think one guy made one, but I want to think they are available. You could also swap to a NP241, but lose the viscous coupling/full time 4x4 and vacuum switch function.

How are you being helpful here? I want to think a lot of things. I think you should believe me that there is a snowball's chance in hell that a new one can be found. I think "Quit guessing and use a hand vacuum pump to test it and the lines."

This guy has some used ones:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Grand-Wag ... 4647058474

Who pissed in your Wheaties?!

The OP was asking me about a spacer to mate a modern 518 to the 229. Read the posts. Don't jump me because you failed to follow the post order.

[fulsizjeep]

This was just a test to see if you paid attention. Carry on.

[dodgerammit]

This was just a test to see if you paid attention. Carry on.

I'll carry on elsewhere if this kind of crap starts here.
I paid attention.
YOU are the one who jumped on my post about a spacer like I was giving bad info.

Hell, Pirate isn't this bad. Bug off.

[fulsizjeep]

I see now. Didn't realize the topic had changed. I apologize and take it all back. I really thought you said someone made a 229 vacuum actuator and that you want to think they are available. Huh, what? I was way off. Again, I apologize.

[dodgerammit]

No hard feelings. I know the actuators are not available. OP just mentioned a potential 318/518 swap.

I tend to follow those a bit and give advise if possible given my past affiliation with Dodge trucks of the same era.

I'm pretty sure the output shaft of the 518 is longer than a 727, thus requiring a spacer to adapt a 208/229,other earlier 727 mated Tcase to the 518 transmission.

One could always swap in a later 241, 249, etc, and be fine, but lose the fulltime 4x4 function(except with the 249).

Usually, from other threads I've read, the hoses for the vacuum actuator tend to be the culprit. Replacing or reconnecting those is usually all that is needed. Like stated, a vacuum pump would make quick work of verifying the actuator functions.

If it didn't, I'd be hard pressed not to just use Rocklaurence's twin stick linkage and ditch the vacuum system.

[89jeepgrandwagoneer]

Just an fyi: I talked to Ryan at BJ's off road and he told me that they were developing a fix for the vacuum actuator motor going bad. He said that they would make one for the quadratac first then the 2 hi/4 hi next. He said to check back with him in mid to late October or early November. Otherwise a set screw and lawn mower cable as well as building your own brackets for now. BJ's tried to get Dorman or Crown to build these and offered $70,000 start up and even had the sales to prove that the part would sell if put into production., but the companies said no.
Just thought I would let you know what I found out from the Jeep supplier.

[89jeepgrandwagoneer]

Yes, another thread was started concerning a 318/A518 swap in this same thread. I thought we were able to multi- task just like our women. Maybe I was wrong in that assumption.

[89jeepgrandwagoneer]

No hard feelings. I know the actuators are not available. OP just mentioned a potential 318/518 swap.

I tend to follow those a bit and give advise if possible given my past affiliation with Dodge trucks of the same era.

I'm pretty sure the output shaft of the 518 is longer than a 727, thus requiring a spacer to adapt a 208/229,other earlier 727 mated Tcase to the 518 transmission.

One could always swap in a later 241, 249, etc, and be fine, but lose the fulltime 4x4 function(except with the 249).

Usually, from other threads I've read, the hoses for the vacuum actuator tend to be the culprit. Replacing or reconnecting those is usually all that is needed. Like stated, a vacuum pump would make quick work of verifying the actuator functions.

If it didn't, I'd be hard pressed not to just use Rocklaurence's twin stick linkage and ditch the vacuum system.

dodgermait, if I remember my talk with a transmission person awhile back, ( I have CRS disease, getting old) the tail housings are inter- changeable, I will have a talk with him again in the near future, because I need to have the tranny and transfer case rebuilt. so maybe the tail housing and output shaft from the 727 will fit the A518. If that's the case then I have plans for the out put shaft and the tail housing to go onto a 727 from a Winnie to be hooked up to a 440 and installed into a 1992 Dodge D150. I'm crossing my fingers.

[dodgerammit]

They will interchange between 2wd and 4wd of the same variant, but you essentially need the output shaft etc.
I'm not sure if the 727 stuff will mate to the 518 due to the OD unit being made onto the back of it. Transmission guy would know for sure.
If not, you'll need a 4wd 518. Not too hard. Just find a boneyard with a 4x4 90-95 full sized Dodge Ram (gas powered, diesel bolt pattern is Cummins specific) or 4x4 90-93 Ramcharger.
Jeep Grand Cherokees with the 318 from 93-95 would also have the 518 transmission.